Rodrigo Y Gabriela
“Tamacun”
Rodrigo and Gabriela are accomplished musicians hailing from Mexico. They started out as thrash metal musicians, but traded in their electric guitars for acoustics. They traveled together and landed in Dublin where their technical virtuosity was a hit.
“Tamacun” is the first track on their self-titled album and is exactly what you would expect from impassioned musicians. The tempo of this track is par for the course on this album — these two are all about speed. Rodrigo normally concentrates on the fast-moving melodic lines, while Gabriela lays down nicely-put percussive beats and rhythm. Youtube has a video of Tamacun as performed by these two. Watch it while you can.
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From the Album:
Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Buena Vista Social Club
“El Cuarto de Tula”
Stop bickering, I know this isn’t new. However, I needed a happy song today so just go with it. If this song doesn’t make you want to shake, then your money maker is broke. The music by Ry Cooder, Ibrahim Ferrar, Ruben Gonzalez, Compay Segundo,and Omara Portuondo are very important to this generation. Their music will haunt you. This CD is 10 years old and still an amazingly powerful work. Give it a listen.
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From the Album:
Buena Vista Social Club
Gipsy Kings
“Hotel California”
Buenos dias! Oddly enough, I was exposed to the Gipsy Kings back in 2001. I listened to nearly everything they recorded. When I came across this song, I knew I would have to store it for this site 6 years later. Ok not really, but I do really dig this cover. The guitar parts are more heartfelt to me and for that reason I like this version better than the original. Who cares if you don’t speak Spanish? Sing along in English if you know the words.
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From the Album:
Volare! – The Very Best Of The Gipsy Kings
Rodrigo y Gabriela
“Vikingman”
This is fantastic. I’ve posted These two before, but I had to post them again this week. Good times.
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From the Album:
Rodrigo y Gabriela (with Bonus DVD)
Quantic & Nickodemus
“Mi Swing es Tropical”
I fell in love with this tune the first time I heard it in a commercial for Apple’s iPod. This Spanish number has been stuck in my head for days. Posting it here was the only way to get it out of my system. This song is featured on the CD associated with this post as well as a CD for Quantic, since this track was apparently a collaborative effort.
I hope this song is as fun for you as it is for me.
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From the Album:
Endangered Species